British politics and European elections 2004

Abstract:

This work presents detailed analysis of the elections to the European Parliament in June 2004 which marked a turning point in British politics. For the first time, the two largest parties together secured less than 50% of the vote, with each receiving its lowest support in living memory. The success of UKIP’s simple message of withdrawal shook the political establishment and restored the groundswell of Eurosceptism to the centre ground.

The book details the background, framework and party preparations. It tells how the campaign unfolded, analyses the results and explores the consequences of the elections in both the British and the European context.

The work will interest scholars and students of European politics and European issues within the British political theatre.

David Butler is Emeritus Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford. Martin Westlake has serviced in a number of European institutions and is currently Head of Communications in the European Economic and Social Committee.